Let’s be honest – we’ve all got thousands of photos sitting on our phones right now, haven’t we? That amazing sunset from last summer’s holiday, your toddler’s chocolate-covered grin, or grandma’s 80th birthday celebration – they’re all there, buried somewhere between screenshots and random selfies.
Here’s the thing: those precious memories deserve better than being lost in the digital abyss! That’s where photo books come in – think of them as your personal time machine, but one you can actually hold, flip through on a cosy Sunday morning, and pass down to your kids someday. No Wi-Fi required, no storage limits, just pure, tangible memories that make you smile every time you crack open the cover.
What is a Photo Book?
A photo book is a customisable, professionally printed album that allows you to organise and display your favourite photographs in a bound format. Unlike traditional photo albums with slip-in pockets, photo books integrate your images directly onto high-quality pages with custom layouts, text, and design elements.
At Printerpix, we use archival-quality papers and solvent-free inks that resist fading, ensuring your memories last generations. Our photo books combine the convenience of digital photography with the tangible appeal of printed materials, offering unlimited creative possibilities with professional-grade materials.
What are Photo Books Used For?
Photo books serve multiple purposes, making them incredibly versatile keepsakes:
- Wedding Albums: Preserve your special day in a sophisticated, narrative format
- Travel Journals: Create visual diaries that capture the story of your journeys
- Family Yearbooks: Document generational memories for parents, grandparents, and children
- Milestone Events: Commemorate birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and achievements
- Professional Portfolios: Showcase work in a premium format for photographers and artists
- Memorial Tributes: Honour loved ones with beautiful remembrance books
- Corporate Gifts: Create professional presentations and client deliverables
What’s the Difference Between Photo Books vs Photo Albums?
Understanding the distinction between photo books and traditional photo albums helps you choose the right format for your memories.
Photo Books
- Pages: Flexible paper pages (typically 200gsm) printed directly with your images
- Binding: Standard book binding or layflat options
- Customisation: Fully customisable layouts with text, backgrounds, and design elements integrated
- Capacity: Can hold 20–200+ pages with multiple photos per page
- Cost: More affordable, starting from £14.99 at Printerpix
- Best For: Large photo collections, storytelling projects, gifts, everyday memories
Traditional Photo Albums
- Pages: Thick, rigid pages with plastic sleeves or adhesive mounting
- Binding: Often ring-bound or post-bound for page flexibility
- Customisation: Limited to arranging physical prints in predetermined slots
- Capacity: Typically holds fewer photos due to bulk
- Cost: Initial album cost plus separate photo printing expenses
- Best For: Those who prefer hands-on arrangement and frequently update collections
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a photo book if you want a polished, permanent keepsake with creative layouts and integrated storytelling.
Choose a photo album if you prefer flexibility to rearrange photos and enjoy the traditional scrapbooking experience.
At Printerpix, our photo books offer the best of both worlds, with options like layflat binding that create seamless spreads perfect for panoramic images.
How to Make Photo Books Online with Printerpix?
Printerpix makes creating photo books remarkably simple with our user-friendly online tool using four key steps.
Your Simple Steps to Create:
- Choose a Theme: Browse hundreds of professionally designed themes or start from scratch. For ease, choose a clear narrative (chronological events, locations, people, or themes) to guide your photo selection and layout decisions.
- Upload Your Photos: Easily upload images directly from your device to our online photo book maker. Select high-resolution photos with good composition and exposure. Include variety – wide shots, close-ups, candid moments, and posed pictures. Quality trumps quantity.
- Customise Your Book: Add captions, adjust layouts, and personalise with design elements.
- Preview and Order: Review every page before ordering. We handle professional printing and delivery.
Our intuitive design tool focuses on essentials, avoiding unnecessary complexity while offering full creative control.
How to Make a Wedding Photo Book?
Wedding photo books require special attention:
- Organise chronologically: preparation, ceremony, reception, and special moments
- Mix photo types: include both professional and candid shots
- Consider multiple versions: comprehensive albums for couples, concise versions for parents
- Include key moments: first look, vows, speeches, first dance
Printerpix offers specialised wedding options, including layflat binding, premium fabric covers, and archival-quality paper – perfect for this special occasion.
What is a Layflat Photo Book?
A layflat photo book features pages that open completely flat without a visible gutter or binding seam. This premium binding style enables seamless double-page spreads, ideal for panoramic images and wedding photography.
Printerpix layflat books use ultra-thick paper (520gsm) mounted on board, providing exceptional durability and a luxurious feel. The specialised binding attaches pages to a flexible spine, allowing perfect flat opening for uninterrupted image display.
How Much Do Photo Books Cost?
At Printerpix, photo book pricing varies based on size, binding, and customisation. Softcover books typically start around £9.98–£19.95, while hardcover options begin at approximately £19.95–£34.95, ranging across different larger sizes. Our premium layflat books start from £43.96. Prices frequently feature significant discounts (40–60% off) during promotional periods.
Factors affecting price include:
- Paper quality and thickness
- Binding type (softcover, hardcover, layflat)
- Cover materials (photo, fabric, leather)
- Page count and book size
- Professional 6-colour printing options
Additional pages typically cost around £0.50 each, with standard books including 20 pages by default. Our bulk discount system automatically applies savings for multiple copies.
Photo Book Service Comparison
| Feature | Printerpix | Shutterfly | Mixbook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From £9.98 (frequent 30–60% sales) | From £14.99–£21.86 (frequent discounts) | From £12.99–£17.99 |
| Book Types | Softcover, Hardcover, Layflat, Luxury Layflat, Leather, Spiral, Window Cutout, Deluxe Fabric, Full Fabric | Soft Cover, Hard Cover Glossy, Hard Cover Matte, Premium Leather Cover | Softcover, Hardcover, Layflat |
| Max Pages | Up to 100 (Softcover), 200 (Hardcover), 150 (Layflat), 50 (Luxury Layflat) | 20–111 (Softcover, Hardcover), 10–70 (Leather) | 20–400 (Softcover, Hardcover), 20–100 (Layflat) |
| Paper Types | Standard Glossy, Lustre, Premium Layflat | Matte, Glossy, Satin | Semi-Gloss, Matte, Lustre |
| Unique Features | Italian fabric covers, 6-colour HD printing, acrylic options | Free 24-hour designer service, HD printing | Highest page count, collaborative features, HD printing |
| Ease of Use | Straightforward, simple interface | Auto-fill, AI-powered editing | Advanced tools with collaboration |
What Makes Printerpix Stand Out?
- Premium Materials: Genuine Italian fabric covers, ultra-thick layflat paper, archival-quality options
- Advanced Printing: Professional 6-colour printing for superior colour accuracy
- Extensive Customisation: Multiple sizes (8″x6″ to 16″x12″), various binding options
- Value Proposition: Competitive pricing with frequent promotions
- Quality Guarantee: 100% satisfaction guarantee with remake option
- FSC-Certified Paper: Environmentally responsible materials
Paper Quality and Binding Options
Printerpix offers carefully selected paper options:
- Standard Glossy (200gsm): Vibrant, high-definition prints
- Lustre Semi-Gloss: Natural finish with subtle sheen
- Premium Layflat (520gsm): Ultra-thick, mounted on board for seamless spreads
Getting Started with Your Photo Book
Creating your photo book with Printerpix is straightforward:
- Organise your images by theme or chronology
- Upload high-resolution photos to our platform
- Select from our professional templates or create custom layouts
- Add captions and text to enhance your story
- Preview thoroughly before ordering
- Enjoy fast turnaround (7–10 working days standard)
Conclusion
Photo books are where the ease of digital meets the charm of print, and at Printerpix, we make that magic easy, beautiful, and oh-so-personal. With our premium materials, easy-to-use design tools, and prices that make sense, turning your favourite moments into a stunning keepsake has never been simpler.
From wedding albums to family yearbooks to professional portfolios, your story deserves to shine. Our layflat pages, luxurious papers, and vibrant 6-colour printing bring every photo to life in vivid detail.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Printerpix photo books today and see just how unforgettable your memories can look in print!
